How To Make Stew With Giant African Land Snails

Editor's note: In the hunt for what to do about the various mix of invasive species found in Florida, we are running a series that not only describes the problems caused by these plants and animals but, well, offers a culinary solution. Tweet us (@WLRN) your ideas and tips or email us a recipe: WLRNMIA@gmail.com.

GIANT AFRICAN LAND SNAIL

The giant African land snail get up to eight inches long.

Credit Andrew Derksen, Florida Cooperative Pest Survey Program

Origin: East Africa

Problem: This snail is considered one of the most environmentally damaging in the world because it can eat over 500 different species of plants and even the stucco from homes. Not only do the snails damage tropical and subtropical agricultural systems, they have male and female reproductive organs and reproduce rapidly. Giant African land snails can also carry rat lungworm which may cause meningitis in humans if people either handle live snails or eat improperly cooked snail meat.

Giant land snail is frequently served as a finger food -- much like you'd eat boneless chicken wings at a bar. The meat is low in fat and cholesterol and is relatively easy to cook once it's been cleaned.

Snail springs rolls

INGREDIENTS

6 Large land snails

Salt

Alum (a powdery chemical that helps get rid of the slimy goo from the snails)